Morris Co. Officer Injured After Suspected Drunk Driver Hits His Cruiser: Police

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A suspected drunk driver hit a police officer who was sitting in his police cruiser on Route 15 early Sunday morning, Jefferson Township police officials said.

Other first responders took the officer to Morristown Memorial Hospital "for bodily injuries sustained during the crash," police said. Officers arrested a 45-year-old Mount Olive man on suspicion of driving under the influence, police said.

Officer Tyler LaMantia was in his marked patrol car, helping other officers on the scene of a crash on Route 15 North near Berkshire Valley Road. Police said the suspected impaired driver hit LaMantia's cruiser from behind around 3:06 a.m.

Officers arrested the driver, David Prontnicki of Budd Lake, at the scene. Prontnicki faces charges including assault by automobile, driving under the influence, reckless driving, careless driving, and failure to change lanes for an emergency vehicle, according to court records.

LaMantia is home from the hospital, according to the Daily Record.

Jefferson Township Police are still investigating, and ask anyone with more information about the crash to contact Officer Nolan Ryan or Det. Sgt. James Stokes at 973-697-1300.

The Morris County Sheriff's Department, Jefferson Township fire and rescue companies, and Jefferson Township Detective Bureau arrived at the scene of the crash, police said.